Lemon Balsamic Green Beans

Brighten your table with the vibrant flavors of Lemon Balsamic Green Beans—an irresistible side dish that’s as quick to prepare as it is delicious. Fresh green beans are blanched to tender-crisp perfection, then tossed in a tangy, citrus-infused balsamic dressing made with olive oil, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Finished with a sprinkle of refreshing lemon zest and optional toasted almonds for crunch, these green beans are bursting with flavor and elegance. Ready in just 20 minutes, this gluten-free, vegan-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or any occasion that calls for a fresh and zesty vegetable side. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a versatile crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams green beans
• 1 medium lemon
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.

Step 3

Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

Zest the lemon and then juice it. Set both the zest and juice aside.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 6

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and the balsamic dressing to the skillet.

Step 7

Toss the green beans in the skillet for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to heat through and absorb the flavors from the dressing.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the lemon zest over the green beans. Toss gently to combine.

Step 9

If desired, garnish with toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor.

Step 10

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(592.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	538.1

Total Fat 36.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1762.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 48.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 22.1g
Protein 12.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 257.1mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 1278.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.3%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 33.8%